General Manager

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.Reporting to the Managing Director, this position manages and directs the operation of the airline catering units or “flight kitchens” with gross revenues of $60+ million and direct and indirect headcount of 700+ employees. This position is responsible for providing full leadership and operational accountability for the units performance and P&L achievement. Further accountability would consist of all unit compliance requirements surrounding Health & Safety, Security and Customs responsibilities as well as people development.Annual Hiring Range: $215,000- $220,000 /Per YeaThis position is eligible for incentive pay of 20% of the annual base salary, dependent upon successful attainment of company, team, and individual goalsBenefitsPaid time off401k, with company matchCompany sponsored life insuranceMedical, dental, vision plansVoluntary short-term/long-term disability insuranceVoluntary life, accident, and hospital plansEmployee Assistance ProgramCommuter benefitsEmployee DiscountsMain Duties and Responsibilities:Accountable for all aspects of the business of the unitsDrives positive relationships with all customers of the business unitsDemonstrates financial acumen by ensuring budgets are created accurately, communicated out, responsibility aligned and budget deliveredActively researches and understands the local business arena, local culture and understands where the unit sits within the local framework, adapting where necessaryMonitors, reviews, guides direct reports to work together as a high performing teamContinually develops and improves the skills of the employees by working with HR, Learning & Development and by mentoring and coaching the management teamTakes full ownership to lead compliance adherence of the units to all regulatory, customer and internal policies and proceduresIdentifies root causes of any situation which occurs and creates a robust action plan to work through to a robust solutionJustifies proposals/business cases for expenditure to improve the overall business unitIdentifies, and leads where appropriate, continuous and process improvement initiatives that drive the units forwardWorks with the HR Business Partner for salary review processes, ensuring to balance engagement, reward and cost effectiveness and keep competitive advantageConstantly monitors recruitment to ensure that the units have the right people in the right place at the right timePuts into practice operational policies and decisions that come from the Executive Management Team, maintaining alignment with company and divisional policy and proceduresCompletes Hazard Analysis and Risk Based Preventative Controls (HARPC) Preventative Controls for Human Food training and certification course to be a PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) according to company policy.Completes all company required training including but not limited to ServSafe Sanitation Manager Certification.QualificationsEducation:Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field requiredWork Experience: Successful track record as a General Manager in airline catering required.Minimum 15 years of management experience in in-flight catering or food manufacturing environment required.Demonstrated experience with managing financials with budget responsibility for a single operating unit required, multiple operating units preferred.Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and/or six sigma and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.Proven experience successfully managing a team of supervisors and managers for a single operating unit required, multiple operating units preferred.Previous customer service and/or account management experience required.Strong track record of innovation and making changes to the operation to further improve the work environment and unit performanceLabor relations experience is requiredTechnical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)Must have strong and effective leadership skillsMust be comfortable with all levels of employees and have the ability to drive positive program change.Must be a Team builder with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse management and hourly staffExcellent problem-solving skills, planning and scheduling capabilities managing multiple account requirementsAbility to effectively manage multiple operations while maintaining compliance in a heavy regulated environment e.g. FDA, HACCP and securityAdvanced Microsoft office tool skills (excel, word)Knowledge of quality auditing, inspection methodsDetail oriented and excellent project management skillsStrong organizational skills, able to prioritize responsibilities and multi-taskChange AgentAble to obtain an AOA badge and customs seal. Language / Communication Skills:Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with multiple departments and customersExcellent written and oral communication skills.Job DimensionsGeographic Responsibility: Hub BUType of Employment: Full-timeTravel %: Up to 25% as required to attend management or leadership team meetingsExemption Classification: ExemptInternal Relationships: all levels of employeesExternal Relationships: customers, suppliers, government agenciesWork Environment / Requirements of the Job: production kitchen facility (there may be physical discomfort due to temperature and noise)Budget / Revenue Responsibility: (Local Currency): $60+ millionOrganization StructureDirect Line Manager (Title): Managing DirectorNumber of Direct Reports: minimum 6-8Number of Dotted Line Reports: minimum 3Estimated Total Size of Team: 700+gategroup Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skillsEngaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing PeopleInspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectivelyAchieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer FocusDemonstrated Values to be Successful in the PositionEmployees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Passion, Responsibility and Respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone: ExcellenceWe put the customer at the forefront of everything we do, taking time to understand their needs, wishes and desires.We constantly learn by giving and receiving feedback, improving from our mistakes and bettering ourselves.PassionHospitality, in its purest form, comes down to a single, core principle: care. We do everything with thoughtfulness, attention, and care.We have a growth mindset, a resilience that makes us determined to bounce back from failures and setbacks.ResponsibilityWe care about what we do, and we understand the impact we have on others and the planet.We always look out for each other –creating a safe workplace environment is everyone’s responsibility.RespectEvery job matters. We each do our part to ensure our colleagues and our customers succeed in their goals.We respect each other’s voices and foster a workplace that supports inclusion and belonging. We are all one gategroup.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law.For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: We anticipate that this job will close on:08/23/2026For California Residents, please click here to view our California privacy notice.If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!SummaryLocation: Newark, NJ, USAType: Full time